MORRISTOWN, NJ, November 9, 2016: Villa Restaurant Group, global multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor, is proud to announce that the company has made a significant promotion within its newly formed Communications and Digital Marketing Department. As the company continues to expand its presence, evolve in the industry and focus on brand building, Villa has named Lauren Liuzzi as its new Communications and Digital Marketing Strategy Manager, effective immediately. In her new role, Lauren will be managing all of Villa’s internal communications, as well as overseeing other digital marketing initiatives and brand management for Villa’s Tony + Benny’s and Piattino Express locations.

“We are thrilled to announce Lauren’s new role in our Communications and Digital Marketing department,” said Mimi Wunderlich, Director of Communications and Digital Marketing Strategy for Villa Restaurant Group. “Since her start here in 2015, she has been an integral part of the marketing team taking on several different responsibilities and handling each challenge in stride. On top of that, Lauren is passionate, personable, respectful and considerate to everyone on her team, and is truly well deserving of this promotion.”

After starting as Villa Italian Kitchen’s Brand Coordinator in 2015, Lauren quickly excelled in the position, helping to build brand awareness and more relevant and stronger promotions, and also took on the brand management role for Tony + Benny’s. At the end of 2015, she also oversaw the marketing of Jersey Mike’s at Villa’s largest food court opening to date in Orlando International Airport, and then successfully transitioned into the Communications and Digital Marketing Department, while at the same time, continuing to coordinate and train on the Villa Italian Kitchen side.

Lauren, who has been with Villa Restaurant Group since 2015, boasts more than 10 years of experience in marketing, with significant knowledge in marketing strategy, digital marketing, brand management, event management and merchandising. Prior to Villa, Lauren held positions at top companies, including The Children’s Place and Hilton Hotels, and at one time, even owned her own upscale boutique clothing business in Florida, where she handled all purchasing, marketing, merchandising and more. Lauren currently resides in Cedar Grove, NJ and holds a B.A. in Marketing from Seton Hall University.

About Villa Restaurant Group℠ (previously known as Villa Enterprises)

Villa Restaurant Group is a global multi-brand restaurant operator and franchisor. Founded in 1964 by Michele (Michael) Scotto, a Naples, Italy native, Villa Restaurant Group, began as a small pizzeria next to the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. Today, Villa Restaurant Group is an international organization that recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary with nearly 400 restaurants in malls, airports, casinos and other high-traffic locations.

Villa’s QSR brands, including Villa Italian Kitchen, Green Leaf’s Beyond Great Salads, Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt, South Philly Cheesesteaks & Fries, Far East and other emerging brands, can be found across 42 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and five additional countries. Villa also operates full-service restaurants in New Jersey under the 40North Group brand including The Black Horse Tavern & Pub, The Office, Steelworks Buffet & Grill, Piattino and George & Martha’s. For more information, please visit www.villarestaurantgroup.com.